The Government of Japan provides funds totalling up to US$382,190.00 (approx. AU$372,236.00) for four (4) projects in Kiribati. The funding was made available through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

Grant Contracts formalising Japan’s assistance were signed by the Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Takeshi Tanabe, on behalf of the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency, Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, and Mr. Teata Tarubea, Acting Director in Rural Planning Division at the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs, Mr. Kibaunimatang Rimon, Secretary for Education Kiribati Protestant Church, Ms. Zita Teata, the Principal of Sacred Heart High School and Ms. Baureti Taboru, the Head Teacher of Aratokotoko Primary School respectively at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 3rd March, 2010 in Tarawa, Kiribati.

Details on the individual projects are as follows:

The installation of a sea water desalination plant in Banaba Island will ensure replacement of an obsolete existing plant which is no longer in use. Since the island does not have underground water system, the people on Banaba rely heavily on the rainwater catchments system. However, during spells of severe drought, desalting sea water becomes the only way for the 300 residents on Banaba to obtain water. Furthermore, necessary training will be provided by Japanese engineer so that maintenance of the plant can be implemented by Kiribati engineers in future.

Stephen Whitmee High School received funds to construct a Dining Hall. The present dining hall is a historical building which was built in the early 1900’s when the school was established by the London Missionary Society. The building has also deteriorated over the years due to its heavy usage and covered with asbestos which is hazardous to the students’ health.  The new large dining hall will enable 500 students to enjoy decent environment while having their meals together.

Sacred Heart High School also received funds to construct a Science Laboratory. Since the school does not have a proper laboratory, students travel to other nearby school to borrow their facility to carry out science experiment. In most cases when it becomes very difficult for science teachers to make arrangements for usage of laboratories, students conduct experimental classes during off-school hours such as after school or Saturdays. Having a science laboratory at their own school will encourage the students to achieve academic excellence.

Aratokotoko Primary School received funds for construction of four classrooms in an effort to provide better learning opportunity for the children since some of the existing building is made of local material and shared by two classes.

Japan’s assistance through these projects indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of the people of Kiribati. It is also in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include health, basic education, water supply, vocational training, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure.

It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the Governments and the people of Japan and Kiribati.